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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

The Konjac Sponge Co. - Bamboo Charcoal

I am fairly new to the "facial sponge" scene as I have heard of many that can be beneficial, but never went ahead and explored all the different varieties. When I recently subscribed to Petit Vour, I saw that a Konjac Sponge Co. facial puff was included in a previous box. I was immediately intrigued and looked into the brand for myself. I have oily/acne prone skin so I was really excited to see a sponge tailored to my skin!

-pr sample-

This sponge is made with 100% natural konjac fiber. If you are unfamiliar with these type of sponges as I was not too long ago, I should address what konjac is exactly. Konjac is an edible plant that is rich in moisture. It is alkaline which means it balances the acidity and oils in the skin. The different varieties of sponges have benefits to tailor to a variety of skin types. In addition to the facial sponges, there are also body sponges and sponges specifically for baby's sensitive skin! I chose the Bamboo Charcoal sponge because this was best suited to oily/spot prone skin. This sponge helps to eliminate dirt and blackheads while absorbing excess oil.

The care of these sponges is key in preserving them and will determine their longevity. Below are the directions for use.

How to use: Thoroughly hydrate the sponge with water. Add cleanser if desired. Massage skin in circular motions and once you are done, rinse the sponge out completely. Squeeze the sponge gently to release excess water but do not twist or wring the sponge. Hang to dry.

With the appropriate care, the facial sponges could last a few months. There are several factors that will determine how your sponge lasts, however. Allowing the sponge to dry between uses is key - along with getting out excess water without damaging the sponge. I press the sponge between my hands (keeping it flat) in order to release water while minimizing damage to the sponge fibers. Also, allow the sponge to dry in a well-ventilated area (not your shower) between uses will help to increase the "life" of your sponge.

I personally do not use a cleanser with this sponge. I did this for a few reasons. I wanted to see how the sponge performed on its own, to extend the life of my sponge and to save time without having to rinse out excess product. I use this sponge after I shower in the morning, before any products are applied to my face. I find it gentle enough to use every morning and my face has not become irritated at all. (Most exfoliators leave my skin feeling tender and looking very red no matter how gentle I am.) The sponge itself feels a bit slippery but there is no residue or any film on it whatsoever. It feels incredible against my skin, I have to say. It's relaxing, gentle, and makes my skin feel almost "brand new" each morning.

Some of the benefits of this sponge:

- gentle enough for the eye area
- gently exfoliates and massages skin while encouraging cell renewal
- deeply cleanses the pores to help eliminate dirt, excess oil, bacteria, blackheads and blocked pores
- does not damage the delicate skin surface and is non-abrasive

While I can't attest to the cell renewal of my skin or elimination of blackheads, I can say that this sponge certainly provides the other very appealing benefits. My skin feels smooth, refreshed and I haven't dealt with any dry patches or uneven texture since using this facial puff. I do hope with continued use I see an improvement of the appearance of blackheads around my nose. That would be incredible. I have noticed improved texture and my moisturizer absorbs SO much better now. That was the very first change I noticed.

No matter what your skin type/which of these sponges you choose, I think it is a really simple step to add to your skincare routine. As a mom, or anyone in general who has a busy schedule, it's nice to have an effective skincare product that's easy to use. Plus, you don't have to wait months to see all the benefits in your skin!

Overall, I really love this product and what it's done for my skin. I do not use many skincare tools, but now I can say I am officially a facial puff "buff." :)